The temperatures here have come back up a little now. We're averaging about -2°C in the daytime so it's getting back to prime snowing temperature. Long range forecast looks cloudy, but not snowy. The locals are, of course, complaining about the air quality as they always do at this time of year. They're so picky. It's not like London - you can spend a day outside here and not be blowing black snot out of your nose when you get home. But the news always seems to find someone who thinks the air is making their breathing difficult, or their eyes water, or some other ailment. Lets not forget that most Americans have "allergies" but when pressed, they couldn't tell you what, exactly, they are allergic to.

I'm not a huge fan of Robby Gordon. I think he's a dick, frankly. Soit was pleasing news for me to find out that he has been disqualifiedfrom this year's Dakar rally. He destroyed a wheel bearing en route tothe start of a days stage a couple of days ago. But he had beendriving so poorly that his support car was actually ahead of him. Hedidn't manage to communicate to the support car until it was way toolate - they'd already started that day's stage. So he's out, and goodriddance. He has totally the wrong attitude for Dakar racing. Hisresults have got worse each year he's taken part and now he's DQ andhe's gone home (rather than, you know, staying to support the otherracers). Hopefully he'll get the message now. He's not a rally driverand he's not welcome at the Dakar.